It’s been nearly six years since Austinites, Central Texans and visitors alike bid farewell to Shady Grove, an institutional restaurant that operated along Barton Springs Road in the Capital City for 28 years. Now, its successor is rising from the ashes as it teases its long-awaited opening this summer.
Shady Grove’s owner and proprietor, Rusty Zagst, is reintroducing the shady life to Central Texas courtesy of A Little Shady Fast Casual Restaurant and Tavern, a new eatery underway in the rapidly growing South Austin suburb of Kyle. Last year, A Little Shady registered an estimated $2.5 million, 12,638-square-foot construction project for the site, located at 5172 S. FM 1626, Kyle, TX 78640.
The upcoming restaurant is in a rapidly growing commercial corridor within Kyle, nestled near the Kyle Crossing shopping plaza and adjacent to fellow businesses like CAVA, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Black Rock Coffee Bar. Those businesses are expected to welcome their newest neighbor this summer, according to A Little Shady.
“It’s beginning to look a little (A LOT) like…A Little Shady!” the future restaurant said in an April 21 Facebook post. “Stay tuned – updates heading your way on the regular. Opening Summer 2026!!!”
Those familiar with A Little Shady’s predecessor will remember the restaurant’s margaritas, green chile burgers and live music scene foundational to both the business and its patrons. Chuy’s owners Mike Young and John Zapp first opened Shady Grove in 1992 as a Southwestern eatery steps away from Austin’s Zilker Park.
“Can’t imagine Austin without Shady Grove,” Texan Jill Nairn wrote on a post asking patrons for their favorite Shady Grove memories.
Find it: 5172 S. FM 1626, Kyle, TX 78640